Frances Ferrari

Frances Ferrari, an Italian cook and matriarch of a family that she nurtured not only with selfless care, her family said, but with holiday and everyday meals, died at home in East Hampton on Friday. She was 89.
Born in Hackensack, N.J., on July 15, 1923, to Anthony Lucente and the former Rose Urato, she graduated from Hackensack High School in 1941.
She spent her childhood summers in Northwest with relatives on the old Peach Tree Farm. She became a hairdresser, in business with her father, and had her own beauty salon in Paterson, N.J., for a number of years.
“A loving, happy, and caring woman who cherished family above everything,” her family said, Ms. Ferrari extended her care not only to her husband and four children, but also to cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was “a selfless treasure,” her family said, who “was only satisfied when everyone around her was happy.”
Ms. Ferrari cooked “splendid” Italian food for every occasion, from large holiday dinners to chicken soup for an after-school treat.
She was married in 1946 to Joseph Ferrari, who died before her. Previously a resident of North Haledon, N.J., she had lived in East Hampton for 34 years.
Surviving Ms. Ferrari are three daughters, Rosemarie Ferrari of East Hampton and Joanne Griffo and Annette Romero, both of North Haledon, as well as a son, Cosimo Ferrari of Malone, N.Y. A brother, Jack Lucente of East Hampton, three grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter also survive.
A wake was held at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton on Sunday, followed by a funeral Mass at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in East Hampton on Monday. Burial followed at the Most Holy Trinity Cemetery in East Hampton.